PMQT Written Answers – 25 January 1993

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 25th January 1993.

PRIME MINISTER:

Kashmir

Mr. Cox : To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise the issue of the status of Kashmir and the human rights of Kashmiri people with the Indian Prime Minister during his forthcoming visit to India.

The Prime Minister : I expect my discussions with the Indian Prime Minister to include the situation in Kashmir and our concerns about human rights.

Arabic-speaking Adviser

Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Prime Minister if he will appoint an Arabic -speaking adviser as part of the staff in 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister : I have no plans to do so.

Office Running Costs

Mr. Winnick : To ask the Prime Minister what steps are being taken by him to limit or reduce the cost of running of his office.

The Prime Minister : My office is subject to the same efficiency and value-for-money initiatives as the rest of the civil service. Between 1989-90 and 1991-92, the cost of running my office fell by just over 2 per cent. in real terms.

CD-ROM

Mr. McMaster : To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements are in place for Government Departments to offer financial assistance for CD-ROM applications for blind and visually impaired people; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister : The Department for Education is providing £40,000 for the development of software which will enable blind and partially-sighted people to gain full access to CD-ROM materials. This is being undertaken in collaboration with the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the Open university and will be completed later this year. The software will be published by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.